Related Media

Wilmington religious leaders plead for end to gun violence

Rev. Clifford Barnett with the Warner Temple AME Zion Church, second from right, speaks while fellow clergy members, community members and Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous, left, listen at the Hillcrest Housing complex in Wilmington Thursday, June 27, 2013. The group was calling for a 90-day cease fire within Wilmington.

Published: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 2:15 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 4:10 p.m.

Twenty-five pastors and ministers in Wilmington stood side by side Thursday with members of the Wilmington Police Department to plead with Port City gangs to lay down their guns following a rash of late-night shootings in which four people were killed.

Upcoming Cease Fire Wilmington events

Coming Sunday in the StarNews:Public safety reporter Brian Freskos delves into the factors behind the recent outbreak of gun violence in Wilmington and those whose lives are affected by it.

"We're troubled by the recent shootings in our communities, and we join forces to call this senseless violence to an end," said the Rev. Clifford Barnett of Warner Temple AME Zion on Nixon Street.

"From January to June 21, there have been a total of 270 shots-fired calls and shot-spotter alerts in Wilmington," Barnett said. "As a result, homicides and injuries have followed. This total disregard for life and safety and respect must stop and must stop now."

"This isn't a police problem, this is a community problem," Evangelous said.

The recent rash of gang violence is likely due to older gang members giving up the game to the younger ones, he said.

"They're very young – as young as 13, 14 – and very violent. They're scary violent," Evangelous said of the new gang recruits. "We need to stem this and stem it quickly."

Barnett said he hopes a 90-day cease fire will give the warring factions time to come up with a nonviolent resolution to their disputes.

"Yes, we're asking you now to put down your weapons and to not bring harm to any human being in our community," he said.

Bishop James Utley of The Love Center then made a plea to the family and friends of members of the gangs to step up and make a difference.

"If you have someone in your home who is involved in gang activity and you see them with a gun, have information about recent shootings or hear about plans of violence, we're asking you to use the Text-A-Tip (to report it)," Utley said.

In an attempt to channel energy in a non-violent direction, the group Cease Fire Wilmington, made up of the same clergy and members who attended Thursday's press conference, has organized a five upcoming events from a prayer walk to midnight basketball games for ages 12 to 18 every Friday night until Aug. 24.

"We urge you to join us as we bring peace and compassion back to the city of Wilmington," Utley said.

The gathering Thursday was in the Hillcrest public housing development where on May 31 a man was found shot to death, and another was shot in the leg on June 23.

Evangelous said five neighborhoods are being targeted by his department for increased patrols. Those neighborhoods include, Hillcrest, Houston Moore, Creekwood, the area of 10th and 11th streets, and North Chestnut, he said.

"Without the community partnering with us, we can't be effective. We're only as good as the community is behind us," he said. "These pastors have stepped up and are supporting us, and have given their time and effort, I'm so grateful to them."

<p>Twenty-five pastors and ministers in Wilmington stood side by side Thursday with members of the Wilmington Police Department to plead with Port City gangs to lay down their guns following a rash of late-night shootings in which four people were killed. </p><p>"We're troubled by the recent shootings in our communities, and we join forces to call this senseless violence to an end," said the Rev. Clifford Barnett of Warner Temple AME Zion on Nixon Street.</p><p>"From January to June 21, there have been a total of 270 shots-fired calls and shot-spotter alerts in Wilmington," Barnett said. "As a result, homicides and injuries have followed. This total disregard for life and safety and respect must stop and must stop now."</p><p>Wilmington Police Chief <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9935"><b>Ralph Evangelous</b></a> said he was pleased to have some help. </p><p>"This isn't a police problem, this is a community problem," Evangelous said.</p><p>The recent rash of gang violence is likely due to older gang members giving up the game to the younger ones, he said.</p><p>"They're very young – as young as 13, 14 – and very violent. They're scary violent," Evangelous said of the new gang recruits. "We need to stem this and stem it quickly."</p><p>Barnett said he hopes a 90-day cease fire will give the warring factions time to come up with a nonviolent resolution to their disputes. </p><p>"Yes, we're asking you now to put down your weapons and to not bring harm to any human being in our community," he said. </p><p>Bishop James Utley of The Love Center then made a plea to the family and friends of members of the gangs to step up and make a difference. </p><p>"If you have someone in your home who is involved in gang activity and you see them with a gun, have information about recent shootings or hear about plans of violence, we're asking you to use the Text-A-Tip (to report it)," Utley said.</p><p>In an attempt to channel energy in a non-violent direction, the group Cease Fire Wilmington, made up of the same clergy and members who attended Thursday's press conference, has organized a five upcoming events from a prayer walk to midnight basketball games for ages 12 to 18 every Friday night until Aug. 24. </p><p>"We urge you to join us as we bring peace and compassion back to the city of Wilmington," Utley said. </p><p>The gathering Thursday was in the Hillcrest public housing development where on May 31 a man was found shot to death, and another was shot in the leg on June 23. </p><p>Evangelous said five neighborhoods are being targeted by his department for increased patrols. Those neighborhoods include, Hillcrest, Houston Moore, Creekwood, the area of 10th and 11th streets, and North Chestnut, he said. </p><p>"Without the community partnering with us, we can't be effective. We're only as good as the community is behind us," he said. "These pastors have stepped up and are supporting us, and have given their time and effort, I'm so grateful to them."</p><p><i></p><p>F.T. Norton: 343-2070</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @FTNorton</i></p><h3>What: I Made a Promise initiative</h3>
<p>When: Sunday, July 14.</p><p>Details: Churches and organizations will ask youth to sign a pledge of nonviolence and wear an I Made a Promise sticker</p><h3>What: Midnight basketball</h3>
<p>When: 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday nights (except July 5) through Aug. 23.</p><p>Where: Martin Luther King Center, 401 S. Eighth St.</p><p>Who: Youth ages 12 to 18.</p>